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539 Best Short Story Ideas for Authors in 2026
Showing 539 short story ideas curated by Reedsy.
You wish upon what looks like a star but is actually a satellite. Your wish has been recorded, catalogued, and an agent is now assigned the task of granting your wish.
"I'd like to buy a plane ticket to your furthest destination today," you told the airline employee.
A person wakes up in bed, drenched in salty ocean water.
It's your first spring… and you have allergies!
Write about a character who is confused about what a White Elephant gift exchange is, and ends up going on a search for an actual white elephant.
Your academic rival at school has joined the Art Club, so now you must also join the Art Club. Problem is, you're pretty sure that you're colorblind.
A former party animal lives in a retirement home. They've decided it's time for one last bash.
Write a story that retells a famous fairy tale, but in a modern-day high school setting.
Write a story about two costume shops who try to outdo each other with bigger and crazier costumes each Halloween.
Write a story about something that seems ordinary to your protagonist but would be perceived as extraordinary by someone else.
Set your story at the bleachers of the track and field.
You know how when you see a bear, you should stay calm and make loud noises? For this… creature… you have to do the opposite. You have to run.
The Tooth Fairy finds something unexpected sitting beside the expected tooth under a child's pillow.
You are part of a huge team of accountants that manages the karma of people on earth.
You're outside in the park playing Pokemon Go when… wait… is that Pikachu… getting into a fight with your dog…?
Write about a time that you encountered an obstacle, and how you overcame it.
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